PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — The Harding men's golf team posted rounds of 295 and 290 on Monday to sit in ninth place after 36 holes of play at the PGA National Resort's Champions Course. The Bisons combined for a 9-over par total of 585 on the opening day of competition.

Harding improved by five strokes between rounds on the demanding par-72, 7,027-yard layout, which played to an average score of 75.04 across the field.

Junior Austin Bibb led the way for the Bisons, finishing Day 1 tied for 22nd overall. Bibb opened with a 1-over 73 in the morning round before backing it up with a 74 in the afternoon to finish at 3-over 147.

William Pulley got off to a strong start with an opening-round 73 (+1) before recording a 78 in round two, ending the day tied for 29th at 151 (+7). Easton Denney matched Pulley's two-round total of 151 (+7) after consistent rounds of 75 and 76 to sit tied for 37th.

Conner Geist provided a key second-round rebound for Harding, shaving three shots off his opening 80 to card a 77 (+5) in round two, sitting tied for 43rd at 157. Drew Simmons opened with a 74 (+2) in the morning session before concluding his day with an 80 (154, tied for 48th).

Florida Southern leads the 10-team field after shooting a 15-under par 561 (276-285). Georgia Southwestern sits in second place at 565 (-11), followed by Oklahoma Christian in third at 577 (+1). Florida Southern's Davis Daigle holds the individual 36-hole lead after firing an opening-round 64 (-8) followed by a 72 to sit at 8-under 136.